The Chippewa River Water Trail is a 4.2 mile segment of the Upper Chippewa River watershed. The Chippewa River flows 183 miles south towards the Mississippi River through the regional Northwestern portion of Wisconsin. The Chippewa River Water Trail will specifically guide paddlers along a 4.2 mile of the Chippewa River to connect with the ecological, geological, historical and cultural importance of the river in Wisconsin.
The Chippewa River Water Trail meanders through three ecosystems known in Wisconsin. The Northern Boreal Forest is apparent at the northernmost point of the trail, especially at the Mount Simon Park at Dells Pond (RM: 60.3) Portions of the trail feature a deciduous wood ecosystem, specifically at Owen Park (RM:57.5) A prairie/ savannah ecosystem is apparent along the southern route of the water trail at Hobbes Boat Landing (RM: 56.1). Overall, the variety of ecosystems along the Chippewa River speaks to its unique natural beauty.
The Chippewa River is home to Federally Endangered Crystal Darter, Goldeyes, Redhorse, and Paddle fish and Sheepnose mussel. The river provides habitat to six types of mussels: Buckhorn, Bullhead, Butterfly, Elktoe, Fawnsfoot, and Purple Wartyback. Also the Chippewa River has many tributaries that feed trout streams. Paddling on the Chippewa River Water Trail, one can view sandstone cliffs and natural cave formations.
The Chippewa River has played a key role in the heritage and cultural development of Eau Claire and Wisconsin. The Chippewa River made it possible for the lumber and logging boom in the Eau Claire and Wisconsin in the 1830s. Lumber was cut in upper Chippewa River Basin and was floated to mills in Eau Claire. The logging boom directly impacted the economy and culture of Eau Claire and Wisconsin. After the height and fall of the logging era, the Chippewa River became a source of energy productions and numerous dams were built. In the last 30 years, the city of Eau Claire took steps to invest restoring the Chippewa River. The community is dedicated to protecting the water quality and adjacent pedestrian trails and parks to increase outdoor recreation and tourism in Eau Claire.
